Why don't you stay a while?

Rudyard had been moving about for the last few days but neither far nor fast.  Part of that had to do with the pain, awkwardness and some of it just had to do with being depressed.  It wasn’t a normal state of mind for him but a lot had gone wrong lately and some of it was permanent.  Rudyard was making his way towards his room, eyes focused on the ground, breathing even with his steps.  Maybe it would have been easier if his mood was better but for being a normally cheerful wolf he just didn’t have it in him at the moment.  Depression, hatred towards Oxx, and disgust in himself were the main emotions.  Heck, he’d even messed up with Fern and chased her away.

As he was preparing for his next step Rudy froze in place suddenly, all his muscles stiffening.  The boy shivered for a moment denying the leap of joy.  There was no way it could happen, it was impossible.  The flutter of hope came back, eyes widening.  Things had gotten strange lately and the dead certainly had been heard at points but had the dead ever howled for everyone to hear?

Rudyard turned around, hesitating another second before his speed suddenly picked up.  Leaning forward he picked up his pace and occasionally his excitement caused the injured foot to hit the ground and after a time some red started to leak out.  The tail bone still ached and it grew worse as he picked up speed but neither foot nor bone would keep him from rushing to his mom.  Admittedly, it wasn’t a run but the ambling walk and jog he had picked up too was a far better sight than what he had done previously.

He hadn’t been able to find hope before but hearing mom and then as he saw Resin as he entered the feast hall.  For a second he just stood at the entrance and stared at her, blinking and finding she was still there a moment later.  Mom was leaning into mom as if there was even substance there.  “Mom?” The boy’s voice whispered softly, a stride taken and then ambling forward at an awkward jog.  Sure, there were some bloody spots and streaks on the floor but there was no sign of weakness or pain now.  The joy of a young pup was bursting in his heart.  Right at this moment, he’d fight any monster just to reach mom.  When he did get to Resin he’d shove his head into her neck, needing proof that she really was there.  It wasn’t just a dream. “Mom!” She felt different in some way, not as solid as the living would be but that was fine. “I missed you, we all missed you," the words choked with emotion.  The bit of tail that was left attempted to wag for a moment before drooping back down.  He was still thrilled and relieved but his tail wasn't willing to express that just now.

"Speech"